Drag superstar Amanda Roberts is poised to take over the AGO’s Walker Court. On Friday, June 20, the legendary Toronto-based drag performer will pay homage to her favourite diva Cher with two sets in honour of Pride Month and the AGO’s 125th anniversary. 

Taking the world by storm for over three decades, Roberts’s work has garnered the attention of musical icons like Annie Lennox and Celine Dion and made her a permanent fixture in the Toronto drag scene. For her AGO performance, Roberts will take the stage to perform two dynamic sets of Cher’s all-time hits, focusing mostly on her songs from the 70's. Kicking off at 7 pm, then again at 8 pm, the show is free for visitors with the price of admission – though tips for the Queen are encouraged. 

Foyer recently spoke to the drag legend about her love of Cher, cherished moments of her career and the evolution of drag culture.  

Foyer: Can you share a few things that you admire the most about Cher as an artist and performer? What are your favourite Cher songs to perfrm during your act? 

Roberts: Some of the things I admire about Cher is that she is a true survivor. She has had many ups and downs, but she still stands strong. She has re-invented herself many times to stay relevant as an artist. She speaks her mind and does things her own way. She has always been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community. Some of my favourite Cher songs to perform are Believe, Take Me Home, Dark Lady and the most classic, If I Could Turn Back Time. 

You began performing drag in 1992. Since then, the popularity of drag has grown exponentially, and it has become far more prominent in pop culture. What are some of the ways you’ve witnessed the drag scene evolve over the years? 

When I first started performing and drag was more underground, people would ask me how I managed to make myself look like a woman. Now with shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and YouTube, people can easily discover our "tools of the trade". Now, many people believe that just putting on some make-up, a wig and a dress makes them a drag artist. For years, I ran an agency for drag artists. Most film and television shows booked drag queens to be the butt of a joke. Now, we are no longer the joke. We have gained a lot more respect as artists. 

You’ve had such a full career as a drag performer. Can you share a few of your most cherished highlights with us? 

One of the biggest highlights of my career was when I met Annie Lennox dressed as her from the cover of her Songs of Mass Destruction album. She was lovely and kissed both of my cheeks. Celine Dion has also seen my impersonation of her from when I attended her concert many years ago. Years later when Sony Music hired me to perform at a retirement party, one of the ladies asked me if I had ever met Celine. I told her about the night at the concert and she informed me that Celine was talking about me at the after party and that she love it. As far as travelling, the highlight for me was when I was flown to Scotland to perform at an old friend's 40th birthday. I am so proud of my Scottish heritage and getting a chance to perform in Glasgow was so special for me. I have many fond memories from performing in NYC and Chicago. I have had the honour to work with some incredible artists over the past 33 years. 

Don’t miss Amanda Roberts as Cher on Friday, June 20 at 7 pm and 8 pm in Walker Court. This event is included with admission to the Gallery.